Josephine P. Laul

Josephine Laul, formerly of Volcano and Mountain View, Hawaii, and Manhattan, KS, passed away August 6, 2025, in Topeka, KS, at the age of 97. Josephine was born on November 12, 1927, in Mountain View, Hawaii, the youngest of 13 children born to Michael and Anne Pszyk. She grew up in Mountain View and Volcano. The Pszyk family has a rich history in the Islands, with many stories about their journeys from Eastern Europe to the islands in the late 19th and early 20th century, and Pszyk Road on the island of Hawaii near Mountain View is named for the Pszyk family and homestead. In 1949, Josephine married SSgt Louis Laul Jr., and lived at KMC Military Reservation and Honolulu, before being stationed at military bases throughout the United States, including Alaska, and 3 years in Germany. They made their home in Manhattan, Kansas in 1968 after retiring from the military. Josephine eventually moved to Topeka, KS. Josephine worked in food service almost her entire life, at several military bases in the United States and Germany, including here at Ft. Riley, KS, Kansas State University, and the Pad Restaurant in Topeka.

Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, her son, Robert, her grandchildren, Charles Brown Jr. and Charlotte Brady (Brown), three stepchildren, her parents, and was the last remaining child of all her siblings.

She is survived by three children, Doris Laul (Brown) of Manhattan, KS, Terry Laul of Yates Center, KS, and Dorothy Lowers (Laul) of Topeka, KS. She is also survived by a very large extended family throughout the Hawaiian Islands, as well as many other extended family members in several states, her granddaughter, Victoria (Braden) Bence, and her great-grandson, Bryson Bence of Columbia, MO.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the Plaza West Nursing Facility for their compassionate care during Josephine's final days.

Penwell Gabel Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A memorial farewell will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. All who knew Josephine are welcome to attend.